(1) The instrument shall include the amount and schedule for release of credits. Releases of credits must be tied to the attainment of performance standards.

(2) The department shall determine a schedule for the release of credits.

(3) The department shall base the number of credits to be released on the following considerations, but not limited to:

(a) The amount of ecological gain at the time of the release;

(b) The sponsor's experience and success with similar types of projects;

(c) The expected length of time necessary to achieve project goals and performance standards; and

(d) The potential for design failure.

(4) The credit release schedule and amount of credits eligible for release may not exceed the maximum amounts under WAC 173-700-332 through 173-700-335. The credit releases in these sections are cumulative in the sense that the percentage of credits available for release under any particular section is the amount stated in that section, minus the percentage of credits released under all prior sections.

(5) The maximum percentages of credits able to be released under WAC 173-700-331 through 173-700-333 do not include credits generated by preservation of wetlands.

(6) The department may release credits generated by the preservation of existing wetlands or aquatic resources after the minimum requirements specified in WAC 173-700-331 have been met.